Coventry residents are being invited to join a street party in Broadgate next month and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Thursday 8 May will mark 80 years to the day since Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces which signalled the end of the Second World War in Europe.
There will be parties across the country and the continent – and Coventry people are being encouraged to celebrate in the heart of the city.
The party starts at 7pm and will run until 9.40pm and is a free event for all ages, with lots of family fun. There will be a stage and big screen and BBC CWR will be presenting the entertainment.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics (no glass) and set up at benches that will be in place around the square.
There will be costumed greeters to welcome people as they arrive, and flags will be provided for people to wave. They can even turn up in 1940s’ style dress to add a little extra touch of nostalgia.
Cllr Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events at Coventry City Council said:
“As a city that suffered so greatly in the war and emerged with a message of peace and reconciliation, it is so fitting that we host a party in the heart of the city to mark the 80th anniversary of such a momentous day in our history.
“We know communities will be hosting their own street parties over the coming days, but this event will give everyone the chance to come together and celebrate as a city.
“It promises to be a lot of fun for people of all ages, but it also gives us a chance to look back and remember and give thanks for the peace that the people of those years fought so hard to give us.”
Sophie Cook, Editor at BBC CWR, added:
“VE Day stands as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during one of history’s darkest times.
“BBC CWR are proud to join Coventrians together to pay tribute to the WWII generation and ensure their legacy is remembered.”
The event will start with the reading of a national proclamation to remember the victims of the war and the sacrifices made.
There will then be a varied programme of music and entertainment, as well as images from 1945 projected on to a big screen.
The event will also honour the contribution of South Asian communities to the war and the victory, with a vibrant on-stage display of Bhangra dance as part of the evening’s entertainment.
The evening will close as Coventry joins other towns and cities in lighting a Lamp Light of Peace with the audience invited to join the singing of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ before the National Anthem is played.
Find out more about the Coventry City Council led event on our website.